Taupe is Behr Paint’s 2026 Stain Color of the Year

Most homeowners treasure their time outdoors. Whether they are relaxing or hosting friends on a deck or patio, they tend to seek a place that is calm and natural. When homeowners look to refresh their outdoor spaces, they are looking for colors that enhance the feeling of being in nature.

With this in mind, Behr Paint selected Taupe as Behr’s 2026 Stain Color of the Year. Taupe nicely combines a light brown with a hint of gray, and fits practically everywhere. Kayla Kratz, Behr’s senior director of color & design strategy, notes that Taupe was selected for its versatility and the way it naturally settles into an exterior.

“It’s a blend of soft brown and gentle gray allows it to feel balanced rather than distinctly warm or cool,” Kratz observes. “We’re seeing a growing desire for calm outdoor living spaces that feel like serene retreats, and Taupe reflects that perfectly. At the same time, it provides a strong foundation that complements a wide range of architectural styles and natural surroundings without competing with them.”

Kratz sees Taupe as a timeless shade that keeps the outdoor spaces fresh.

“Taupe is a sophisticated neutral that sits between soft brown and gentle gray to create a calming color that feels both modern and timeless,’ says Kratz. “It works especially well on larger outdoor surfaces such as decks, porches, and fences, where it serves as a unifying backdrop that enhances both landscaping and architectural details.”

While appearance is essential in selecting a stain color, there is a lot more to consider. Performance is essential, as no one wants to re-stain a deck or repaint outdoor furniture any sooner than they have to.

“More than anything, homeowners want products that strike a balance between performance and aesthetics,” Kratz points out. “They want durable, protective coatings that can withstand the elements while also delivering a polished, cohesive look.

“Versatility is key; using colors that work across multiple surfaces and pair easily with accents resonate most,” she adds. “There’s also a preference for tones that feel grounded and adaptable, colors that can evolve with the space rather than feel tied to a moment.”

Kratz reports that Behr has seen more interest in DIY projects for outside spaces in recent years, as homeowners are increasingly treating outdoor living spaces as extensions of their homes.

“As a result, homeowners are investing more in refreshing decks, patios, and backyard areas, especially ahead of the spring and summer entertaining season,” Kratz says. “With Behr’s Exterior Stain Color of the Year and curated color collections, both large-scale projects and smaller updates can be approached with more ease and intention.”

Last year, Behr selected Cedar, a warm and earthy light golden-brown, as its 2025 Stain Color of the Year. Kratz says that Taupe and Cedar work together quite well.

“Taupe pairs beautifully with Cedar as a dual-tone stain color story, creating a balanced contrast with natural wood tones,” Kratz notes. “Cedar brings warmth and richness, while Taupe introduces a calming, contemporary element. Used together, they create a layered look that still feels cohesive. The combination adds depth and highlights architectural features without requiring a full renovation. This combination captures exactly how homeowners are thinking about outdoor spaces right now: with intention, depth, and a collected sense of style.”

Taupe also aligns with the ongoing trend toward warm, nature-inspired neutrals.

“It reflects a continued preference for calming, cohesive colors that bring balance and harmony to a space,” Kratz says. “Taupe also underscores the growing appetite for colors that are more enduring, serving as a foundation that adapts over time while keeping the exterior feeling current.”

In addition to the 2026 Exterior Stain Color of the Year, Behr has unveiled its first-ever Outdoor Accent Color Collection, a curated palate of 18 exterior paint colors. Kratz points out that this thoughtfully curated selection of exterior paints is designed to refresh your home and add intentional pops of color to smaller projects like front doors, window trim, planters, and patio furniture.

For example, pairing Taupe with complementary Behr stain colors such as Cordovan Brown, Ocean Abyss, Muted Sage or Pewter can create subtle contrasts on railings, trim, doors, shutters and decking borders, while Unmellow Yellow or Flirt Alert are bold colors that can help a feature stand out.

“Paired with Taupe, the collection allows homeowners to introduce personalized accents while maintaining a sense of subtle sophistication and unique character,” Kratz adds. “Together, they make it easier than ever to approach your outdoor spaces with the same design intentionality you’d bring to any room inside the home.”

Taupe and Behr’s Outdoor Accent Color Collection is available exclusively at The Home Depot.